Jesus wants to pass on God’s unconditional love to parents

I thought hate was definitely the opposite of love, but when I thought about it, if you show indifference to someone and lack of concern or caring, that is on many levels more hurtful. He then talked about real love, the deep kind that is not just physical but the kind that allows you to feel another person’s pain and joy. Also, this love makes you always want the very best for that person. You are willing to do whatever it takes to help them achieve that which they desire. 
    

This immediately put me in mind of my children, that deep, unconditional love we all have for our children and the daily role we play in their lives and helping them achieve their goals and dreams and basically being the best they can be.
    

From the minute our children are born and we become parents, we know that we would do anything for these beautiful little beings. Our only concern is their well-being.
    

As they grow up, we provide for all of their needs, stand by them no matter what, feel their pain and share in their joy. 
    

I’m sure all parents will say they have unconditional love for their children, but the archbishop pointed out that the only true unconditional love is the love that God has for us, his children. And, Jesus wants to give us what his father has given him. He is there for us in the messiest part of our lives, the trials and tribulations, during times of fear, pain and confusion, and he carries us when we are too tired and broken down to walk. When we mess up, Jesus goes out of his way to bring us back. 
    

As parents, we also fulfill that role for our children on earth. God has entrusted us to be there, no matter how messy life gets, for our children. When I thought about it, I realized we lift up our children each day, we are there when they feel lonely, are bullied, feel sad and we do our level best to listen, comfort and fix whatever we can so they don’t have to suffer. 
    

Also, we get to share in their accomplishments and triumphs and day-to-day excitement in the little things. 
    

I know that I have, at times,  carried my children’s burdens and lifted them up when they needed it – no matter how old they are. This is the role of parents, to carry our children physically, emotionally and metaphorically through all phases of their lives, just as Jesus does for all of his father’s children.
    

Kim Roberts resides in River Ridge with her husband and teenage daughter, and also has an older son and daughter. She is active at St. Matthew the Apostle Parish and its Home and School Association and has been Council of Catholic School Cooperative Clubs president, is currently on the Dominican High Parents’ Club board and works with the Notre Dame Seminary Gala Committee and the Keep Christ in Christmas Committee. She has a bachelor of arts degree in journalism from Louisiana Tech University as well as a master of arts degree, is a freelance writer and works part-time for Crimestoppers.